Wednesday, June 01, 2011

The 2011 Hurricane Season officially begins today, June 1 and will last through Nov. 30. This year's season is predicted to be above normal in terms of tropical activity, based on the forecast models of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center.

The key to a safe hurricane season is preparation. The university prepares year-round for hurricane season, and asks that all departments and individuals help ensure their safety and that of students by taking the following steps this week and throughout the year:

• Review emergency plans, including the Hurricane Operations Plan and other hurricane preparation materials provided on the UNCW hurricane website.
• Make sure all employees are familiar with this information, provide training for new employees in hurricane preparation procedures, and print out and post safety materials for employees with limited web access.
• Update staffing changes and emergency contact information.
• Ensure a supply of trash bags is on hand for distribution to all staff to cover equipment and supplies in advance of a hurricane.
• Check emergency supply inventory. Order any needed items. Make personnel aware of these supplies and where they are stored.
• Remind all employees of key UNCW Alert communication tools used in the event of a hurricane emergency. Students, faculty and staff should check email, the Emergency Information Hotline, the UNCW Alert webpage and local media for updates related to closings, schedule changes, issues with travel on campus or use of the Adverse Weather Policy.
• Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to voluntarily sign up for emergency notification messages by logging into mySeaPort, clicking Register to Receive UNCW Emergency Texts on your Cell Phone in the left-hand navigation and providing/updating personal contact information. This information will be used only for emergency purposes.

Check @UNCW weekly for additional hurricane preparedness tips and instructions.

Other resources:
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov/
UNCW Hurricane Information: www.uncw.edu/ba/safety/hurricanes.html
UNCW Emergency Management: www.uncw.edu/emergencymanagement

If you have questions or need more information, contact Environmental Health & Safety at x23057.